In a bid to enhance accountability and foster stronger inter-agency synergy, the Lagos State Government has flagged off a four-day retreat for accountants across its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), reinforcing its commitment to sound financial governance and institutional excellence.
The retreat, which is taking place at the Lagos State Public Service Club, brings together Directors and Heads of Finance and Accounts from various government bodies under one roof. With the theme “Excellence in Teamwork: Collaborating for Success in Public Sector Financial Management”, the programme is designed to deepen collaboration, improve technical skills, and align financial practices with global best standards.
Addressing participants at the opening session, the Lagos State Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary of the State Treasury Office, Mr. Abiodun Muritala, said the retreat is part of ongoing reforms aimed at modernising the state’s financial management systems. He noted that efficient teamwork and continual capacity building are essential to meeting the demands of today’s dynamic public finance environment.
“This retreat is a strategic investment in our people and our systems. As custodians of public funds, we must be deliberate in upgrading our processes, leveraging digital tools, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of transparency,” Muritala stated.
Sessions at the retreat cover a wide array of critical topics, including modern auditing practices, risk management, data-driven budgeting, and the deployment of technology in financial reporting. Participants are also being trained on the state’s newly revised accounting manual, which is tailored to boost operational efficiency and attract investor confidence through more transparent fiscal disclosures.
Officials say the retreat is not only an opportunity to build technical competence, but also to promote a cohesive and cooperative working culture among finance officers across MDAs. According to the organisers, fostering such collaboration is vital to ensuring that public service delivery is not hindered by bureaucratic bottlenecks or financial mismanagement.
The retreat is expected to conclude with a unified strategy document, capturing resolutions and action points that will guide the future of financial governance in Lagos State.
This initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader governance agenda under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus framework, which emphasises transparency, institutional effectiveness, and a results-driven public service.
